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A number of poker pros have expressed their thoughts on the raid of an Austin, Texas area poker club two weeks ago. But one of the most successful and outspoken players, Daniel Negreanu, had yet to weigh in.....until now.
"I think it is unfortunate," Negreanu said in a video released to his X feed. "I hope it all blows over."
Doug Poker, poker pro and co-owner of the The Lodge Card Club, located in Round Rock, insists he was not involved in any wrongdoing. Polk is one of three majority co-owners.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) provided a 22-page warrant alleging money laundering. Money was seized from some bank accounts linked to the now shuttered business. No charges were filed thus far and no arrests were made.
Polk is sometimes seen as a polarizing figure in the world of poker, who regularly points out alleged scams committed by his fellow players via his podcasts. Pros like Wade Townsend and Tom Dwan have since lashed out at Polk. Townsend claims Polk was instrumental in destroying The Lodge Card Club. Negreanu has been critical of Polk as well but is taking a more nuanced stance in regard to the raid.
"Ironically, you know, Doug Polk, we've talked about this in the past," Negreanu said. "I'm not a believer that bad publicity is bad for poker. He makes some good points in this regard, like when a cheating scandal or whatever goes up on ESPN, you know, a lot of people tune in and they sort of have their eyes on poker. But for me it's for the wrong reasons.
There has been a long-running feud between Negreanu and Polk, spanning roughly 2014–2021, originated from Polk's criticisms of Negreanu's online poker skills as well as his defense of increased rake at PokerStars where Negs served as an ambassador.
Daniel Negreanu finally weighs in on the Lodge closing @RealKidPoker @LodgePokerClub pic.twitter.com/F9Uobiqh7W
— Alex Duvall (@alexduvallin) March 23, 2026
"I don't know if that's changed for him based on what's happened now. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know what is going on over there."
Negreanu went on to say he doubted there was any serious money laundering taking place at the club.
"Despite our differences over the years, Doug Polk and the owners there have tried to do the right thing, follow the laws at every turn. And if that's not the case, and if something happened, then the courts will decide."
But Negreanu added that, "as an observer from the outside, I am rooting for them (The Lodge Card Club and its owners) to win."
- Ace King, Gambling911.com
